From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Letter to Rudge-Whitworth Ltd. requesting recommendations on hub modifications following issues at the Ulster Tourist Trophy Race.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 159\7\ scan0157 | |
| Date | 17th November 1934 | |
| x421 Exptl. Dept. Hs {Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} /Rm. {William Robotham - Chief Engineer} 4/KW. 17th November, 1934. G.L. Hack, Esq., Messrs. Rudge-Whitworth Ltd., COVENTRY. Dear Mr. Hack, You possibly noted in the press that our tyre changes were not very successful in the Ulster Tourist Trophy Race this year. One of the troubles was that we had a hub seizure and could not get the wheel off. Before the race we did ensure as far as we could that the threads were perfectly free, and of course used only the thinnest lubricant. We believe, however, that for racing purposes there are a number of modifications which could with advantage be applied to the hub as fitted to the Bentley and would like to have your recommendations on the subject, since you must have had wide experience in such matters. Briefly, our suggestions at present are - (1) Much fewer serrations. (2) Large lead on and flat tops of considerable width. This should make the task of engaging the wheel serrations very much easier and at the same time make the serrations less likely to damage the thread when the wheel is withdrawn. (3) A considerable plain portion on the nut and on the end of the hub to overcome the present tendency for the nut to be put on cross threaded when screwed on in a hurry. We shall be very glad to have your comments. Yours sincerely, FOR ROLLS-ROYCE LIMITED. | ||